CAMBRIDGE — The Dorchester County Council last week passed a resolution to adopt a one-year moratorium on data centers and hired a lobbying firm to help the council advance its interests.
The council and staff determined they needed more time to research and understand the complexities associated with data centers before creating permanent policies and zoning laws. The goal is to gather sufficient information over the 12 months to make well-informed decisions for the county.
The moratorium is effective immediately. Staff is now tasked with returning in the spring of 2027 with initial findings and recommendations.
A committee of stakeholders, including citizens and industry professionals, will be formed to contribute to the process. The staff will research how other counties have managed similar situations and propose a structure for this committee to the council.
“I would suggest that we go back and look at what other counties have done in a similar situation and then we’ll come back to you with suggestions on a game plan,” County Manager Jerry Jones said.
The moratorium currently applies only to the unincorporated areas of Dorchester County. The council plans to inform municipal partners, such as Hurlock.
“Each municipality would have to make their own legislation as to what they’re going to do,” Council President Lenny Pfeffer said.
During public comment, resident Sharon Smith suggested learning from northern Virginia’s experience with data centers, noting both the potential for significant tax revenue and the need to avoid mistakes related to electricity and water consumption.
Lobbyists
The county had engaged a lobbying firm, R&R Solutions, to advance its interests, primarily in securing funding and facilitating key meetings.
The lobbyists, Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Ryan Snow, have been hired to help the county secure funding for long-term goals and infrastructure projects. A “capital list” of county needs is being compiled to give the firm so they can identify and pursue funding opportunities.
To get started, the lobbyists are taking several steps. First, they held a preliminary discussion with county leadership to understand the objectives.
Additionally, they are scheduled to attend directors’ meetings to introduce themselves to department heads and explain how they can provide support.
“They are attending our directors meeting tomorrow to make an introduction and let them know what we’re thinking and how they can potentially support their respective departments,” Jones said.
A key function of the firm is to arrange meetings with high-level officials. The lobbyists are noted to be very effective at organizing meetings, particularly at the Maryland Association of Counties conference.
The council immediately tasked them with setting up a meeting with the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, emphasizing the need to connect with the department’s top leadership.
The council also sees a role for the lobbyists in addressing regional policy issues. It was suggested that the firm could help coordinate with neighboring Caroline and Talbot counties on agricultural and environmental regulations affecting the areas.
Council Vice President Mike Detmer thanked the new lobbying team and prepared them for the road ahead.
“We have a lot to accomplish, and a lot of what we have to accomplish involves people that are outside of sitting at this table,” Detmer said. “So the citizens of Dorchester are counting squarely on you two, so thank you.”